[ben_w]

As an English person learning German, it was quite a shock to realise that the word/word fragment „Führer“ („Geschäftsführer“) really is just a normal word with a boring meaning. Also „Reich“ („Königreich“) and „Anschluss“ („Hausanschlussraum“).

[carschno]

If you are interested in that specific aspect, I recommend you to read "LTI" by Victor Klemperer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTI_%E2%80%93_Lingua_Tertii_Im...

> LTI demonstrates changes in the German language in most of the population. In contrast, the text also emphasizes the idea that resistance to oppression begins by questioning the constant use of buzzwords.

[ben_w]

Huh, one of those reminded me of post-9/11 American euphemisms:

> Verschärfte Vernehmung ("strengthened interrogation"): torture

And the prefix „Welt-“ ("world-") reminds me of British politicians repeatedly calling their policies "world-leading" or "world-class".

[carschno]

Sure, euphemisms are an essential component of any kind of propaganda. To some degree, this includes legitimate campaigning in democracies.

What the Nazis implemented to a unique extent was the process of (re-)defining words in a specific meaning. This happened top-down and censorship not only acted passively (disallow certain publications), but the propaganda actively pushed the terminology and narratives to use by the media.

The recurrent use of seemingly harmless words in specific ways impacted the society much longer than the Nazis were in charge. Some seemingly unpolitical narratives have lived on until today. Fortunately, the (Western) allies realized that they needed to counter this after the war, but of course the denazification has not been able to undo all the damage.

[The_Colonel]

"Führer" is these days quite rare to use as its own standalone word. You'd rather say "Leiter" or perhaps "Anführer" instead.

[Tabular-Iceberg]

The thousand year Reich quickly turned into a thousand year curse, where they can’t do or say anything without people making it all about the Nazis.

[thaumasiotes]

That's just because they invite it.

https://satwcomic.com/not-a-yahtzee

If Germany acted less neurotic, they'd draw less commentary.

[marban]

Yet we all want to be reich.

[ben_w]

Also confusing to encounter words whose meaning changes from an inaudible capital letter („Reich“ ~= empire, realm; „reich“ = rich).

At least „die See“/„der See“ (ocean/lake) are at least both about water you can put a boat on.

„Briefkasten“ is a fun one, coming from English. Sounds like "briefcase". Same etymology, both are boxes that you put letters into, it's just that the English one is the thing you carry to work, and the German one is part of the postal system.